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A dagger with a curved blade, designed to do more than just a slashing cut. The edge features a 'peacock'-shaped pommel, meant to protect the back of the hand of the wielder. Crafted by Moroccans for use in battle, like the Goumiers, the dagger, known as Koummya in Amazigh, is now a decorative piece—a beautiful traditional addition to the uniform of Ahouach dancers or worn by a groom as part of the traditional wedding attire.
Koummya is crafted not only to inflict damage but also to impress. It is mostly decorated with silver or brass, featuring a wooden handle, and often adorned with chiseled designs or stones. However, there are also royal Koummya daggers, fit for kings, worn by royalty or gifted to prominent guests and allies.
A golden Koummya in New York
One such golden Koummya, adorned with precious stones and made of gold, made its way into the hands of New York’s jewelers. The golden dagger went viral on the Instagram account of New York jewelry wholesaler and Instagram celebrity, «Benny the Dealer».
In a video shared last week on his Instagram, Benny is approached by a dealer who claims to be selling this prized possession, brought all the way from Morocco. «I kept it over 35 years in the safe. Now, I’ve decided to sell it», said the dealer, showcasing the exquisite 18-karat golden dagger decorated with red and green stones, most likely emeralds and rubies.
Benny the Dealer then embarks on a mission to find the best price for this precious piece. On his hunt to find a buyer, he encounters an Egyptian seller who reads the inscription on the dagger’s pommel: «Min Jalalet Malek al Maghrib», translating to «From His Majesty the King of Morocco».
The piece captivates jewelers, with one commenting, «I would buy it from you for $20,000 to $23,000. And even $25,000. Just for the look». Benny, however, remains unconvinced. «They claim they bought it 35 years ago, and they've held on to it».
In a second video shared on Thursday, Benny finally finds a buyer who understands the real value of the dagger, regardless of its gold content. «You know what it is from your country», he tells a Moroccan jeweler. To which she responds, «It belongs to me».
The deal is quickly sealed: «Whatever your price is, it's mine. And I’m taking it right now with me. It's more of a sentimental value», she affirms firmly. «You know it’s going to stay in the safe. It’s not going anywhere», she adds. The dagger was sold for $70,000.
A royal gifting tradition
From the inscription, the dagger likely was a gift from the King of Morocco, a practice that has been followed by Moroccan kings and sultans for centuries. Many royal daggers, among other precious Moroccan-crafted jewelry pieces, have been gifted to foreign rulers, allies, and notable figures by the kings of Morocco.
One notable recipient was President Franklin D. Roosevelt. During his visit to Morocco in 1943, as part of the Allied effort during World War II, Roosevelt attended the Casablanca Conference with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. On the evening of January 22, 1943, Sultan Mohammed ben Youssef, later King Mohammed V, hosted Roosevelt and Churchill for dinner. During the dinner, the Sultan presented Roosevelt with gifts, including a dagger «fitted with a gold hilt and sheath and encased in a teakwood box inlaid with mother-of-pearl», according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
A similar dagger, made with gold and decorated with green stones, is believed to have been gifted by the late King Hassan II of Morocco to an emissary in 1950. The dagger is described as having «an ivory handle, a gold pommel inscribed in relief (On behalf of His Majesty the King of Morocco), set with a jade cabochon and tiny diamonds», with a «chased gold hilt with floral decoration».
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The enameled chased Toledo blade bears the inscription «Nasr men Allah wa fath qarîb| (Victory is from Allah and the conquest is near). The dagger's superb scabbard is made of cut and chased gold, set with diamonds, small turquoise stones, and six jade cabochons. In 2019, the dagger was estimated at around €13,000–€14,000.
In 2000, during a visit by King Mohammed VI and Lalla Meryem to the White House, a dagger «decorated with gold and encrusted with diamonds and emeralds» was gifted to President Bill Clinton.
More recently, during his state visit to Morocco in October 2024, President Macron of France was gifted a golden dagger by King Mohammed VI following a signing ceremony.
